The leaders of Indiana’s colleges and universities were called to the Statehouse today to appear before the budget committee. The university presidents were asked to justify recent tuition increases which exceeded the recommendations of the state Commission on Higher Education. Ball State University President Jo Ann Gora says universities aren’t to blame for rising tuition costs.

Each university president told the committee essentially the same thing — while they took into account the Commission’s recommendations and while affordability is the major concern, the tuition increases reflected what each school needs to continue operating at an effective level. Purdue University President Frances Cordova says the legislature was warned about tuition increases during the state budget process.